NORTHERN EXPOSURE

'Come-to-Jesus moment' for Toronto mayor

'There's a lot of people who have done what I've done'

Published: 11/19/2013 at 1:21 PM

(FOXNEWS) — Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he has stopped drinking after having a “come-to-Jesus” moment and does not do drugs.

Ford made the comments in an interview broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation hours after the Toronto city council voted to slash Ford’s office budget by 60 percent and allow mayoral staff to join the city’s deputy mayor, Norm Kelly. Ford retains his official title and can represent the city at formal events, but he has no legislative power and no longer chairs the council’s executive committee.

Ford managed to put the spotlight on himself again during the meeting by pacing around the council chamber and trading barbs with members of the public. The speaker asked security to clear the chamber and a recess was called, as members of the public chanted “Shame! Shame!” at the mayor.